Ministry of Unification to Skip "Regular South Korea-U.S. Consultation"... "Will Discuss North Korea Policy Separately with U.S. If Needed"

On December 15, the Ministry of Unification announced that it would not participate in the regular consultation between South Korean and U.S. diplomatic authorities, which is expected to be held as early as December 16. This move highlights intensifying internal conflict between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification over leadership in North Korea policy.

In a press release that afternoon, the Ministry of Unification stated, "We understand that this consultation with the U.S. side, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pertains to follow-up discussions on the Joint Fact Sheet from the South Korea-U.S. summit. As it concerns diplomatic issues between South Korea and the United States, the Ministry of Unification has decided not to participate."

With direct communication channels with North Korea completely severed, North Korea-related issues under the new administration have largely been handled through diplomatic channels in consultation with the United States. This role has typically been filled by the Director-General for Foreign Policy Planning and Intelligence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who also serves as the chief negotiator on North Korean nuclear issues. Recently, Jung Yeondu was appointed to this previously vacant position. As Director-General Jung has naturally expanded his activities and, together with Kevin Kim, the Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, has taken on the role of chief representative for both sides in regular consultations on North Korea policy, the Ministry of Unification-which is the lead ministry for North Korea policy-has stepped in to halt the process.

Reportedly, the Ministry of Unification is concerned that these U.S.-South Korea consultations on North Korea policy, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, could take on the characteristics of the "South Korea-U.S. Working Group" from the Moon Jae-in administration. There is a perception that the working group’s involvement in every opportunity for inter-Korean exchange ended up hindering inter-Korean relations.

The Ministry of Unification emphasized that the current consultation between diplomatic channels is a "diplomatic issue," stating, "As allies, the Ministry of National Defense consults with the U.S. on defense policy when necessary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consults on foreign policy, and the Ministry of Unification will separately consult with the U.S. on North Korea policy matters such as inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation when necessary." The ministry added, "Nevertheless, our position remains unchanged that we will continue to closely coordinate North Korea policy with relevant ministries and with the United States."